DureflexTM films protect against attacks and forces of nature

Highly elastic films made from polyurethane have already foiled many attempted attacks and have saved human lives. How do they do that? Well, thermoplastic elastomer film (TPU) specially developed by Epurex Films is incorporated in safety glass as a functional elastic interlayer.

It enables glass of this particular design to withstand the impact of a bullet without shattering. In quite another field, namely in the construction industry, this kind of safety glass is used to protect against the forces of nature. The elastic film layer allows even low-gauge window glass in buildings to be shatter-proof and to a great extent fracture-proof even in the event of a tornado.

Aliphatic TPUs carrying the brand name of Dureflex™ are a joint project pursued by Epurex Films with its US sister company Deerfield Urethane. These specialty films are produced by Deerfield in North America. They are marketed in Europe by Epurex Films, whereas Deerfield serves the North and South American markets. Customers in Asia are served by Epurex Films. The sister organisations are now looking to conquer the glass market: Thin-walled special glass and high-strength multilayer laminated glass, including versions containing polycarbonate layers, can incorporate one or several layers of Dureflex™ film. The film absorbs the extreme mechanical stresses and strains exerted on the glass under bullet fire or through the impact of natural forces.

In these applications, Dureflex™ provides crucial properties such as high flexibility, high resistance to tear initiation and propagation, as well as high clarity and light resistance. Its ability to bond well with glass and polycarbonate is a vital prerequisite for embedding the film in the safety glass. It is used for storm-proof construction glass, for security in banks and prisons, and for bullet-proof glass in vehicles and airplanes.